CASE STUDY SHOW of CHARACTER

A historic home calls for a traditional bathroom, but there's nothing stuffy about this witty blend of rich fabrics and antique finds "In this house, the architecture is never a backdrop - it speaks first," says Suzie McAdam.

- Miriam Methuen-Jones

The Dublin-based interior designer is talking about this county retreat in Co. Wicklow, in the east of Ireland. A former cornmill, it dates from the 1800s and was originally part of a Victorian model farm. She was brought in to transform the interior, adding a sense of cohesion and cosiness to its vast proportions.

"The warm pinks and terracotta tones in the exposed stone inspired the palette for this bathroom," she explains. "Rather than covering it up, we allowed it to inform the finishes and metals." The masonry was cleaned and sealed in a breathable finish so the patina remained intact.

A soft, plastery neutral with a blush undertone was used on the walls: "Something warm enough to play with the pink tones of the bath and natural masonry, but gentle enough not to compete with the joinery and fabric."